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John Milton #25
The Hanging Tree
Deep in the Kentucky hills, justice is still dealt from the end of a rope.
When John Milton stumbles into a small town plagued by scams, secrets, and a brutal criminal family, he plans to keep his head down. But after a deadly ambush leaves him tied up and dragged into the Appalachians, Milton finds himself face-to-face with an ancient tree—and a noose meant for his neck.
As he fights to survive, Milton uncovers a sprawling a crooked banker, a string of ruined lives, and a drug operation hiding in plain sight. With time running out and bodies piling up, Milton must bring the whole operation crashing down.
The Hanging Tree is a relentless, edge-of-your-seat thriller packed with action, vivid characters, and the cold steel of frontier justice.
When John Milton stumbles into a small town plagued by scams, secrets, and a brutal criminal family, he plans to keep his head down. But after a deadly ambush leaves him tied up and dragged into the Appalachians, Milton finds himself face-to-face with an ancient tree—and a noose meant for his neck.
As he fights to survive, Milton uncovers a sprawling a crooked banker, a string of ruined lives, and a drug operation hiding in plain sight. With time running out and bodies piling up, Milton must bring the whole operation crashing down.
The Hanging Tree is a relentless, edge-of-your-seat thriller packed with action, vivid characters, and the cold steel of frontier justice.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
1455 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,841 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 9, 2025
An excellent read
I think this is the best Milton novel yet. He’s becoming more human, more rounded but still has a dangerous side lurking within. Mark Dawson has written this fast moving story without the need to embellish it with unnecessary descriptions to fill the pages.
I’m amazed Milton hasn’t been made into a TV series, he’s a far superior character to Reacher. Cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
I think this is the best Milton novel yet. He’s becoming more human, more rounded but still has a dangerous side lurking within. Mark Dawson has written this fast moving story without the need to embellish it with unnecessary descriptions to fill the pages.
I’m amazed Milton hasn’t been made into a TV series, he’s a far superior character to Reacher. Cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2025
John Milton has a great new idea, getting a foodtruck and driving across USA from one event to another. There is just one small problem. He finds himself in trouble, both with a dishonest seller of the foodtruck and also with a family that rules the county. The Hanging Tree is adventure 25 in this series but Milton is also in a couple of others by Mark Dawson. I always enjoy reading these stories and it is entertaining to see what trouble John can get himself involved in. This one had a few twists I didn't see coming and it was very entertaining.
September 14, 2025
Number 25 in the John Milton series. 25! how the hell did that happen, but fear not it’s as engrossing a read as usual.
Another brilliant instalment in this truly excellent series, as unputdownable as always. I read this in one sitting and luxuriated immersing myself back in Milton’s world.
It’s always a joy to be back in Milton’s presence, but this book is a slight departure from the previous ones. There is no control chasing him, very little angst, and he’s probably the most comfortable in his skin that we’ve ever seen him. That said trouble is never away and he can’t help himself but get involved when he sees injustice. I found this book very Jack Reacheresque. If you’ve also read this series you’ll know what I mean.
Milton has decided to fulfill a dream of crossing the US for leisure, deciding to fund the trip using a food truck, which he purchases in a small Kentucky town. A town small in population but big in secrets and corruption. Of course he gets involved and delivers the needed justice. He encounters both modern and age old crimes, but while he might not be able to decipher the crypto codes, to Milton a wrong needs righting, regardless of its finesse.
As always as Milton leaves town, and us, I’m feeling bereft and I’m already looking forward to the next Milton adventure.
Another brilliant instalment in this truly excellent series, as unputdownable as always. I read this in one sitting and luxuriated immersing myself back in Milton’s world.
It’s always a joy to be back in Milton’s presence, but this book is a slight departure from the previous ones. There is no control chasing him, very little angst, and he’s probably the most comfortable in his skin that we’ve ever seen him. That said trouble is never away and he can’t help himself but get involved when he sees injustice. I found this book very Jack Reacheresque. If you’ve also read this series you’ll know what I mean.
Milton has decided to fulfill a dream of crossing the US for leisure, deciding to fund the trip using a food truck, which he purchases in a small Kentucky town. A town small in population but big in secrets and corruption. Of course he gets involved and delivers the needed justice. He encounters both modern and age old crimes, but while he might not be able to decipher the crypto codes, to Milton a wrong needs righting, regardless of its finesse.
As always as Milton leaves town, and us, I’m feeling bereft and I’m already looking forward to the next Milton adventure.
September 10, 2025
Milton is in Kentucky looking to purchase a food truck and travel the U.S. from State Fair to State Fair. He simply wants to enjoy the countryside while making an income sufficient to support it. Of course, this is Milton and nothing is ever easy. When he runs into a mechanical issue with the truck before he completes the sale, he finds this little Kentucky town is not what it seems. Life is run by a powerful family in the hill country that rules by its own standards and no one is above it. Except, of course, Milton. When the local bank turns out to be short on funds and the bank manager is suspected, the story escalates into murder and mayhem. Bodies are being found and the local police are suspect in being involved. Milton takes on the quest to see what he can do to help since the locals have nowhere to go and no one to turn to. Another fantastic story that keeps you reading into the night. As with all Milton stories, there are continual twists and turns and breathtaking excitement. Really looking forward to the next in this incredible series.
September 7, 2025
John Milton has some down time. Nobody from the Group is currently after him. He answers an ad for a food truck in Blackridge, KY and plans to travel to county fairs out to California. He soon finds out why the food truck was a bargain price. Until he gets it repaired he isn't going anywhere. The Ropers are a well established family in the mountains, with relations coming out of the woodwork. Their activities are not strictly legal and they pretty much own the people of Blackridge. They have their own brand of justice, a hanging tree. It doesn't take Milton long to get sideways of them. Meanwhile the CEO of the bank is a victim of an elaborate scam and it is costing the citizens thousands. Milton, being Milton, is determined to get the money back for them. If he has to take out some thugs, so much the better. But what happens when he becomes the target of the hanging tree? Lots of action in this one!
September 10, 2025
Milton’s back with an improved book!
I’ve read every Milton book every isabella and Beatrix Rose, Atticus priest and Charlie Cooper… And I’ve enjoyed most of them. For a while, it started to feel like the Milton books were getting stretched a little thin, thin plots, kind of getting tired of Milton’s self flagellation about alcohol, and the books were not crisply written. This I am happy to say is back to form. Well written, fairly engrossing story, no AA meetings, little of Milton beating himself up. No more. It was refreshing. He has a relationship with a woman, and although he’s still itinerant, he’s thinking maybe it’s time that he can stop beating himself up about his past. Group 15’s out of the picture at least in this book, so it was a sea change in plot and I think it worked.
Good characters. Some predictability, dirty cop, dirty banker, etc but despicable villains.
I’ve read every Milton book every isabella and Beatrix Rose, Atticus priest and Charlie Cooper… And I’ve enjoyed most of them. For a while, it started to feel like the Milton books were getting stretched a little thin, thin plots, kind of getting tired of Milton’s self flagellation about alcohol, and the books were not crisply written. This I am happy to say is back to form. Well written, fairly engrossing story, no AA meetings, little of Milton beating himself up. No more. It was refreshing. He has a relationship with a woman, and although he’s still itinerant, he’s thinking maybe it’s time that he can stop beating himself up about his past. Group 15’s out of the picture at least in this book, so it was a sea change in plot and I think it worked.
Good characters. Some predictability, dirty cop, dirty banker, etc but despicable villains.
November 4, 2025
I have enjoyed Milton's journey of redemption so far and looked forward to this new novel. Thankfully, I was rewarded for this by a tale where I wasn't entirely sure about which side I was supposed to root for. Milton has gotten himself in the middle of a situation where everyone involved is completely without morality or virtue, and in trying to extricate himself, he also wants to protect the innocent people being hurt by it all. Milton is forced to not only confront the people doing harm but also his culpability in who gets punished and how. I love the idea of John traveling the US in a food truck. It will definitely put him into contact with many people needing the assistance only he can provide. I'm not sure why I like the stories based in the US more than the others, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next novel.
September 11, 2025
GOOD BOOK
I gave the book 5 stars because it was a good read. Had a good storyline and if you’re a John Milton fan, you will really like it.. not the usual John Milton, excitement that the other books have had. But he is trying to be a good guy and help people and get rid of the bad memories of his former life. so it was good and he used his skills to help a lot of people and make things right. I spent my hard earned money on it because I like John Milton and I always want him to be on my team.. I wish she was real so he could come help me and I like MARK Dawson’s other books. I love Atticus priest they’re all good reads. You won’t be sorry if you start his series of anyone of those great characters..
I gave the book 5 stars because it was a good read. Had a good storyline and if you’re a John Milton fan, you will really like it.. not the usual John Milton, excitement that the other books have had. But he is trying to be a good guy and help people and get rid of the bad memories of his former life. so it was good and he used his skills to help a lot of people and make things right. I spent my hard earned money on it because I like John Milton and I always want him to be on my team.. I wish she was real so he could come help me and I like MARK Dawson’s other books. I love Atticus priest they’re all good reads. You won’t be sorry if you start his series of anyone of those great characters..
September 20, 2025
John Milton at his best 👌
Milton doesn't 'hang around' in this book.... after finding himself involved in the shady dealings of a small town, Milton tasks himself with helping the townfolk get their savings back after the president of the bank syphoned them off to pay a blackmailer, as usual, things don't go completely to plan, but Milton manages to survive and save the day, leaving the FBI to mop up the corrupt local sheriff and the family who thought they could carry on taking the law into their own hands!
Who knows where Milton's travels will lead us next....
Another great book 📖 by Mark Dawson definitely a 5⭐️read 👌
Milton doesn't 'hang around' in this book.... after finding himself involved in the shady dealings of a small town, Milton tasks himself with helping the townfolk get their savings back after the president of the bank syphoned them off to pay a blackmailer, as usual, things don't go completely to plan, but Milton manages to survive and save the day, leaving the FBI to mop up the corrupt local sheriff and the family who thought they could carry on taking the law into their own hands!
Who knows where Milton's travels will lead us next....
Another great book 📖 by Mark Dawson definitely a 5⭐️read 👌
October 15, 2025
John gets himself in a pickle or maybe a borrito
He drove all the way to Kentucky to buy himself a food truck made it to the first fair where he met the first Roper who stole from him but he let it go. The foodtruck engine almost died, so slowly taking it back to get it fixed at the expense of the seller. Then things went twisted. I great look at hillbilly town run by a hillbilly family with their fingers in lots of pies and a banker being blackmailed and using the banks money to pay.oh boy , that's just the start of this "John Smith adventure" a must read for John Milton fans recommend
He drove all the way to Kentucky to buy himself a food truck made it to the first fair where he met the first Roper who stole from him but he let it go. The foodtruck engine almost died, so slowly taking it back to get it fixed at the expense of the seller. Then things went twisted. I great look at hillbilly town run by a hillbilly family with their fingers in lots of pies and a banker being blackmailed and using the banks money to pay.oh boy , that's just the start of this "John Smith adventure" a must read for John Milton fans recommend
September 20, 2025
Another great book by Mark Dawson featuring John Milton. A must read if you like a thrilling storyline that is not only feasible but is actually happening now. As usual, trouble finds John Milton. However in this 25 book in the John Milton series, Milton has mellowed over the years and now uses both his brains, previous experience, and some action to take on the bad guys. I continue to like how John Milton has evolved in how he approaches taking care of the bad guys. Always a pleasure to follow John Milton’s adventures. Look forward to the next novel this year.
Read
September 10, 2025Be careful of the towns you decide to visit! Love reading books with John Milton, it's like meeting a long lost friend after a few years. Milton will never let you down, he might keep you up all night reading but you don't mind because he entertains you so well!
Brilliant storyline and the characters were entertaining. I loved the setting for the town, it was a good old fashioned backdrop to a good shoot out.
Please Milton don't ever grow old.
Brilliant storyline and the characters were entertaining. I loved the setting for the town, it was a good old fashioned backdrop to a good shoot out.
Please Milton don't ever grow old.
September 19, 2025
Another John Milton Book I Couldn’t Put Down
Just a warning—Once you start this one, you won’t be able to stop. Not a bad thing at all, just the reality for another fantastic book in the John Milton series.
Great pacing of the story, and character development.
You know it’s a great book when you immediately want more when you finish.
If you’re looking for a new author, series, or both—Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You will be in for a great ride!
Just a warning—Once you start this one, you won’t be able to stop. Not a bad thing at all, just the reality for another fantastic book in the John Milton series.
Great pacing of the story, and character development.
You know it’s a great book when you immediately want more when you finish.
If you’re looking for a new author, series, or both—Do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You will be in for a great ride!
September 22, 2025
I’m giving this 4 stars because I read 25 books and the character development is excellent. This is t the best book of the series though. It’s not bad but it’s definitely not up to the intensity of previous book in the series.
I get it, he’s changing, really making a point to help people, to fix their big big problems as only he can. It’s a tiny bit repetitive combined with a wee amount of we see what’s coming. It’s still a good read. I just didn’t race through it like so many others.
I get it, he’s changing, really making a point to help people, to fix their big big problems as only he can. It’s a tiny bit repetitive combined with a wee amount of we see what’s coming. It’s still a good read. I just didn’t race through it like so many others.
October 3, 2025
If you aren’t good at keeping time, this won’t help
From start to finish, Mark Dawson‘s books are a page turner. And the Hanging Tree is no different. When a local crime family comes up against cybercriminals, only John Milton can save the day. The pace of storytelling is so good you don't want to put the book down, which means that if you've got appointments, unless you've got extremely strong will, you're unlikely to be late. Highly recommended.
From start to finish, Mark Dawson‘s books are a page turner. And the Hanging Tree is no different. When a local crime family comes up against cybercriminals, only John Milton can save the day. The pace of storytelling is so good you don't want to put the book down, which means that if you've got appointments, unless you've got extremely strong will, you're unlikely to be late. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2025
A Milton Adventure That Could End His Story
John wants to buy a food truck to hit fairs across the US. Price is way too good to be true. When he gets to see it in Kentucky, it really looks to be in good shpe, priced way below what its worth. He quickly learns what a gift horse means. Finds himself seeing people hurt by the bank and his truck. Can he help make amends? Take some blood off his ledger? He's got to try.
John wants to buy a food truck to hit fairs across the US. Price is way too good to be true. When he gets to see it in Kentucky, it really looks to be in good shpe, priced way below what its worth. He quickly learns what a gift horse means. Finds himself seeing people hurt by the bank and his truck. Can he help make amends? Take some blood off his ledger? He's got to try.
September 9, 2025
brilliant
A very good read , John Milton is in it from start to finish unlike the last few books, after the last one both my husband and me said we were done with Milton but I pre-ordered this book out of habit and I’m really glad I did, it is none stop action all the way through. Milton at his best ,
A very good read , John Milton is in it from start to finish unlike the last few books, after the last one both my husband and me said we were done with Milton but I pre-ordered this book out of habit and I’m really glad I did, it is none stop action all the way through. Milton at his best ,
September 15, 2025
Money, Money, Money.
Book 25, wow that’s amazing.
Is this it for Milton?
Has his trying to atone for his past, finally got him into some trouble, that even he can’t get out of?
To find the answers to these questions and more, you’re going to have to read this wonderfully written book.
Happy reading.
Book 25, wow that’s amazing.
Is this it for Milton?
Has his trying to atone for his past, finally got him into some trouble, that even he can’t get out of?
To find the answers to these questions and more, you’re going to have to read this wonderfully written book.
Happy reading.
September 16, 2025
I love this series, and have read every Milton adventure. But, after getting to know Milton over 24 books, I found it hard to believe that someone as meticulous as he is would buy a truck without thoroughly checking if it's mechanically sound. This bothered me throughout my reading of what was otherwise another great Milton read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
One of the best Milton books I’ve read and they’re all pretty great. There is plenty of action and multiple bad guys to hate. John is at his best trying to make amends for his past but this time he ends up in a really dangerous situation. Yes, he’s always dealing with danger but this time it’s really bad. Loved this book!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
October 2, 2025
My confidence has returned with this episode.
A fast paced storyline and like most in the series the book was hard to put down and easy to read.
I was so disappointed with book 24 that this read was last chance saloon for Milton.So pleased to say he's back on my must read list and now really looking forward to book 26.Thanks Mark.
A fast paced storyline and like most in the series the book was hard to put down and easy to read.
I was so disappointed with book 24 that this read was last chance saloon for Milton.So pleased to say he's back on my must read list and now really looking forward to book 26.Thanks Mark.
November 19, 2025
Missing John Smith
It’s been a while since I read a John Milton story… Actually, I’ve read every one of them! Mark Dawson really has a way with words. He creates great story lines and great characters. I really love the redemption of John Milton. It’s one of the things that really encourages me that there are people who want to change and do the right thing… That’s awesome!
It’s been a while since I read a John Milton story… Actually, I’ve read every one of them! Mark Dawson really has a way with words. He creates great story lines and great characters. I really love the redemption of John Milton. It’s one of the things that really encourages me that there are people who want to change and do the right thing… That’s awesome!
September 10, 2025
Milton saves the day again. This time, he's clear of The Group and just looking for some downtime, no such luck for him.
I smashed through this book in record time thanks to Mark's excellent writing and storylines. Another banger in the series. 25 and going strong!
I smashed through this book in record time thanks to Mark's excellent writing and storylines. Another banger in the series. 25 and going strong!
September 13, 2025
Unbelievably captivating thriller!hhkoi
Fast-paced, action-packed, unputdownable book! Mark Dawson draws the reader in right from the beginning wondering what will draw John (Milton) Smith into helping someone. I loved this book and highly recommend it. This series just keeps getting better and better! Happy reading! ☺️
Fast-paced, action-packed, unputdownable book! Mark Dawson draws the reader in right from the beginning wondering what will draw John (Milton) Smith into helping someone. I loved this book and highly recommend it. This series just keeps getting better and better! Happy reading! ☺️
September 17, 2025
Right on the money, again.
Brilliant book, not that Mark Dawson ever publishes anything that isn't excellent.
John Milton, a cook ? What a recipe for for disaster for someone.
No spoilers, just enjoy.
Brilliant book, not that Mark Dawson ever publishes anything that isn't excellent.
John Milton, a cook ? What a recipe for for disaster for someone.
No spoilers, just enjoy.
September 20, 2025
Milton cooking up a storm Kentucky style
Trouble is never where Milton goes it follows all the way to Blackridge Kentucky where he buts heads with a drug running family and a computer fraudster with a sidline in murder
Trouble is never where Milton goes it follows all the way to Blackridge Kentucky where he buts heads with a drug running family and a computer fraudster with a sidline in murder
September 22, 2025
Another very good action thriller about John Milton. I continue to enjoy reading every book in the series, but i must admit, they're getting a bit repetitive! I'm asking you, Mark Dawson, is another surprise shift in Milton's story arc possible?
September 22, 2025
CC1
Great job. Love the plot and whole story . John getting food truck to go to all state fairs on his way to Cali. John took care of the Ropers and got the towns money back. On to next chapter. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
Great job. Love the plot and whole story . John getting food truck to go to all state fairs on his way to Cali. John took care of the Ropers and got the towns money back. On to next chapter. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
September 27, 2025
Another Cracking Milton Book
If you like Reacher, you'll love Milton. If you haven't read any of the series you can read this as a standalone, however I recommend that you start at the beginning and read all 25 books, you won't regret it.
If you like Reacher, you'll love Milton. If you haven't read any of the series you can read this as a standalone, however I recommend that you start at the beginning and read all 25 books, you won't regret it.
September 27, 2025
Did Mark Dawson write this book?
I have read almost all of his books and this wasn’t written like usual. Too much discription of everything. The plot predictable. Did he have a ghost writer?
Please change back.
I have read almost all of his books and this wasn’t written like usual. Too much discription of everything. The plot predictable. Did he have a ghost writer?
Please change back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews